An ongoing dialogue with your parents should be maintained during the college process. They know you better than anyone else does, and have valuable insights to offer.

High School Guidance Counselor

A good place to start is your high school guidance counselor. High school counseling offices usually maintain a large inventory of college bulletins, catalogs, videos, and applications you can review. But more important, it is your high school counselor who will write your recommendation, correct errors on your academic record, or award credit for coursework completed outside of school. Counselors have special recommendation procedures, and it’s your responsibility to learn what these are. Take the initiative to build a positive relationship with your counselor, starting no later than spring of your junior year.

Teachers

Teachers are also potential resources. Because they are aware of your academic interests and strengths, they may be able to suggest colleges that you’ve overlooked.

Students Attending the College

These are perhaps the most valuable resources of all, if you can manage to make a connection with them!  Ask you counselor if there are any graduates of your high school now attending the colleges that interest you, or e-mail the admissions offices to see if they can put you in touch with a current student from your area or high school.  You can also check the college website to search for student blogs that might give you some insight into the kinds of people who have chosen the colleges on your list.

College Personnel

You will have plenty of contact with college admissions personnel as you launch your applications -- from college representatives at college fair booths, to interviewers, to admissions officers leading information sessions on campus visits or meeting with interested students at your high school.